You won’t be going alone.
AAA projects a record 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday period of June 28 to July 6.
That’s an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019.
The agency noted its forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July Fourth is one of the most popular times to get away,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a release. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week.
“With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, a 2.2% increase over last year and the highest volume on record. This holiday period is expected to see an additional 1.3 million road travelers compared to 2024.
At the pump
Drivers are seeing some increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they’ve been since 2021, AAA said.
The price of crude oil has kept gas prices on the lower side this year.
The Israel-Iran conflict had driven up the price of oil but not dramatically. Escalation and duration of the conflict are two factors to watch.
Weather is also a wild card. The Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season. Storms along the Gulf Coast can affect oil refineries and disrupt fuel deliveries, leading to a temporary increase in gas prices.
As of Tuesday, the national average was $3.17 for a gallon of regular gasoline, and Pennsylvania’s was $3.36. A year ago the national average was $3.49; Pennsylvania’s was $3.63.
Gas prices in the region as of Tuesday, according to AAA:
• Berks County, $3.28.
• Chester County, $3.28.
• Delaware County, $3.29.
• Lehigh County, $3.28.
• Montgomery County, $3.30.
• Schuylkill County, $3.18.
Other modes
The number of people traveling by air also is projected to set a record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations, accounting for 8% of all Independence Day travelers.
That projection is a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week with 5.76 million air travelers.
Travel by other modes is expected to grow by 7.4% over last year. AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train or cruise. This year’s number is just shy of the 2019 record of 4.79 million. Cruising is driving the popularity of this category, particularly at this time of year when Alaska cruise season is in full swing.
Travel times
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects July 2 and 6 to be the busiest days on the road. Afternoon hours will be the most congested, so drivers are advised to head out in the morning to avoid the worst traffic
The worst and best times to travel, respectively:
• July 1: 3 to 6 p.m.; before 2 p.m.
• July 2: noon to 9 p.m.; before noon
• July 3: 2 to 6 p.m.; before noon
• July 4: noon to 7 p.m.; before noon
• July 5: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; before noon
• July 6: noon to 6 p.m.; before 11 a.m.
PA Turnpike
Pennsylvania Turnpike officials say they are prepared for a busy holiday travel period, projecting more than 5.88 million motorists will use the interstate from June 27 through July 6.
That projection is a 3.4% increase compared to last year’s traffic tally during the same 10-day period (Independence Day in 2024 was on a Thursday).
Officials offered the following breakdown of total traffic:
• July 1: 635,000
• July 2: 650,000
• July 3: 685,000
• July 4: 405,000
• July 5: 560,000
• July 6: 530,000
Officials noted that all road construction and maintenance projects are suspended through July 6 at 11 p.m.
Pennsylvania State Police Troop T will have extra patrols during the holiday period to ensure drivers are following the posted speed limits, allowing proper distance between other vehicles and maintaining general respect for other motorists and driving conditions.
Officials noted this is the first major holiday travel period since “Paul Miller’s Law” went into effect in Pennsylvania that prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other momentary delay.
To stay up to date on turnpike conditions, use 511PA Smartphone App or go to 511pa.com.
Weather
After a stormy start to this week, the forecast improves for the holiday, according to AccuWeather.
• July 2: Humid with partial sunshine; high 85, low 64.
• July 3: Sunny to partly cloudy with a thunderstorm in the afternoon; high 88, low 65.
• July 4: Plenty of sun; nice weather to celebrate Independence Day; high 85, low 62.
• July 5: Sunshine and a few clouds; air quality will be poor; high 87, low 68.
• July 6: Sun through high clouds; high 89, low 72.
• July 7: Hot with clouds followed by a brightening sky; high 93, low 74.
